Many Nebraska employers say they find significant gaps in executive function skills in today’s workforce. Learn how these important skills, developed in early childhood, support growth of critical competencies that affect our success as adults. Read More

This is part of a series of blog posts by Nebraska's term-limited senators reflecting on their time in the Nebraska Legislature. We thank them for their dedication and service to Nebraska. In this post, Senator Paul Schumacher looks back at his years representing District 22. Read More

This is part of a series of blog posts by Nebraska's term-limited senators. We thank them for their dedication and service to Nebraska. In this post, former Senator Jim Smith looks back at his eight years representing District 14. Read More

To say outgoing Nebraska Chamber President Barry Kennedy is an advocate of early childhood is an understatement. He has been a long-time champion of Nebraska’s youngest children and has spoken frequently on the importance of access to quality early childhood programs. Read More

Parents can view a map with information on child care providers participating in Step Up to Quality, including the program's name and address, director and size of the program, website, email address and the program's step rating on the 5-point scale. Read More

Policy Associate Elizabeth Lopez Everett represented Nebraska at a recent summit on early childhood along with Senator Mike Hilgers and Senator Sara Howard, and representatives from the Nebraska Depts. of Education and Health and Human Services, Sixpence and other early childhood groups. Focus of the conference was early brain development, policy ideas and innovative programs to support and nurture babies, toddlers and their families. Read More

Engaging kids in reading and enrichment activities during the summer means they will return to school in the fall ready to learn. Unfortunately, children without summer learning opportunities often lose ground, which is a major factor in growth of the achievement gap. Read More

The Nebraska Department of Education has revised their Early Learning Guidelines, which are based on research and practices, and assist early childhood professionals and families support young children’s learning and development.

Findings from the rapidly growing science of brain development in early childhood show the positive, lifelong impact fathers can have by being engaged early in their children’s lives. Here are 10 facts about father engagement. Read More

Auburn and Hastings are recipients of the latest round of Sixpence Child Care Partnership grants. The grants are awarded to school districts who have partnered with local licensed child care providers to improve the care for infants and toddlers at risk. Read More